INGROWN TOENAIL TREATMENT IN SUCCASUNNA & MONTVILLE, NJ
Get Back on Your Feet Without Toe Pain
Painful or infected ingrown toenail? Treatment ranges from conservative care to an in-office procedure that removes the affected nail edge.
Two Locations
Convenient Access
Same or Next Day Appointments
Most Insurance Accepted
Expert Care
Dr. Erato Giokas, DPM, MS
Board Certified
Understanding Ingrown Toenails
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the side of the nail curls and grows into the skin beside it, or the skin grows over the edge of the nail. The big toe is affected most often.
The skin around the nail becomes red, swollen and tender, and shoes or walking can make it hurt more.
How It Develops
Common causes include trimming nails too short or rounding the corners, shoes that crowd the toes, and injuries to the toe.
Fungal nail infections and the natural shape of your nail can also make ingrown toenails more likely.
If It Is Left Untreated
As the nail keeps growing into the skin, the area along the nail edge can become infected, with more swelling, pain and drainage.
For some people an ingrown toenail becomes a recurring problem on the same toe.
Why See a Podiatrist
Soaking and roomier shoes may settle a mild case. If the toe is not improving, or it looks infected, it is time to have it looked at.
Dr. Giokas can treat an infection, take the pressure off the nail edge, and offer an in-office procedure for nails that keep growing in.
Signs of an Ingrown Toenail
Pain at the Nail Edge
Tender to the touch
Soreness along one or both sides of the nail, often worse in shoes.
Redness
Beside the nail
The skin next to the nail turns red and feels sore.
Swelling
Puffy skin at the nail edge
The skin beside the nail swells and presses against the nail.
Drainage
A sign of infection
Fluid or pus coming from the side of the nail.
Skin Over the Nail
Tissue covering the edge
Skin starts to grow over the edge of the nail.
Keeps Coming Back
The same toe again
The nail grows in again after it seemed to clear up.
About Dr. Erato Giokas
Our Expert Podiatrist
Erato Giokas, DPM, MS is a board certified podiatrist at West Morris Foot and Ankle in Succasunna, NJ. She’s highly skilled in treating all foot and ankle pathologies with both surgical and conservative treatments.
Dr. Giokas graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey, with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in biomedical engineering. She earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City, graduating at the top of her class.
Education
Residency - Morristown Medical Center
Medical School - New York College of Podiatric Medicine
Graduate Studies - New Jersey Institute of Technology
Undergraduate Studies - New Jersey Institute of Technology
When to See a Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail
Home Care Hasn't Worked
The toe has not cleared up after three days to a week of home care.
Pain in Shoes or When Walking
The toe hurts enough to get in the way of shoes, work or exercise.
It Keeps Coming Back
Ingrown toenails have become a recurring problem for you.
Redness and Swelling
The skin beside the nail is red, swollen and tender to the touch.
Don't Wait If
Get seen promptly if any of these apply to you:
You have diabetes, nerve problems or poor circulation
Pus or drainage from the side of the nail
Fever with an infected toe: seek care right away
Our Treatment Approach
At our Succasunna and Montville offices, treatment depends on how severe the ingrown nail is and whether it keeps returning. Dr. Giokas starts with the simplest option that fits your case.
1
Examine the Toe
A look at the nail, the surrounding skin and any signs of infection
2
Relieve the Problem
Conservative care, infection treatment or an in-office procedure, depending on severity
3
Help Prevent a Return
Trimming and footwear guidance, plus options for nails that keep growing in
Conservative Care
For mild cases: guidance on soaking, trimming and footwear to take pressure off the nail edge while it grows out.
Infection Treatment
If the toe is infected, Dr. Giokas may prescribe an antibiotic alongside treatment of the nail itself.
In-Office Nail Procedure
Removing the ingrown part of the nail. For recurring cases, part of the nail root on that side can be removed as well.
Ingrown Toenail Questions
What causes ingrown toenails?
Common causes are trimming nails too short or rounding the corners, tight shoes, injuries to the toe, fungal infections and the inherited shape of the nail.
When should I see a doctor for an ingrown toenail?
If home care has not cleared it up after three days to a week, if you see signs of infection such as pus, swelling and pain, or if it keeps coming back. People with diabetes, nerve problems or poor circulation should be seen promptly.
How do you treat an ingrown toenail?
It depends on severity. A mild case may need only conservative care. An infected toe may need an antibiotic, and a painful or recurring nail can be treated with an in-office procedure that removes the ingrown edge. Dr. Erato Giokas treats ingrown toenails in Succasunna and Montville.
Will the nail grow back after a procedure?
It depends on the procedure. When only the ingrown part of the nail is removed and the nail bed is left intact, the nail grows back. When part of the nail root is removed as well, that edge is removed permanently. Dr. Giokas will explain which fits your case.
When is an ingrown toenail an emergency?
If the toe is infected and you develop a fever, see a podiatrist right away or go to the nearest emergency department.